Photo: Liza Summer

Do I need to pack a towel in my hospital bag?

You're likely to need: clean bed clothes and towels. clothes (including a hat) and nappies for the baby. 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads.

nhs.uk - Pack your bag for labour - NHS

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What you'll need for labour and birth Get a few things ready at least 3 weeks before your due date. For yourself, you'll probably want to pack: your birth plan and hospital notes something loose and comfortable to wear during labour that does not restrict you from moving around or make you too hot

3 changes of loose, comfortable clothes

2 or 3 comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed – remember, your breasts will be much larger than usual

breast pads

2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads

5 or 6 pairs of knickers – you may want to bring some disposable ones your washbag with a toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties and other toiletries

towels

things to help you pass the time and relax – for example, books, magazines, music or podcasts

a fan or water spray to cool you down

front-opening or loose-fitting nighties or tops if you're going to breastfeed

dressing gown and slippers

healthy snacks and drinks

extra pillows

a TENS machine if you intend to use one

any medicines you're taking For the baby, you might want to pack: bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits

an outfit for going home in

a hat, scratch mittens and socks or booties

plenty of nappies

a shawl or blanket

muslin squares or bibs

a car seat for the trip home

Home births If you're planning to give birth at home, discuss your plans and what you need to prepare with your midwife. Think about where in your home you want to give birth. You're likely to need: clean bed clothes and towels

clothes (including a hat) and nappies for the baby

2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads Even if you're planning to have your baby at home, you should pack some things in case you need to go into hospital at any point. Get prepared When you come home, you will not want to do much more than rest and care for your baby, so do as much planning as you can in advance. If you can, buy lots of basic items such as toilet paper, sanitary towels and nappies in advance. If you have a freezer, you could cook some meals in advance and freeze them. Transport You should plan how you'll get to the hospital or midwifery unit because you might need to go there at any time of the day or night. If you're planning to go by car, make sure it's running well and that there's always enough petrol in the tank. If someone else has said they'll take you, make an alternative arrangement just in case they're not available.

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Why do hairy men go bald?

A male sex hormone might be responsible, causing tightening of head tissue eventually impacting the hair follicles. Characterised by hair loss from the top and front of the head, 'male-pattern hair loss' is partly determined by genetics and partly by high levels of a male sex hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

sciencefocus.com - Why do men go bald from the top of their heads?

Asked by: Sarah Lambert

Characterised by hair loss from the top and front of the head, ‘male-pattern hair loss’ is partly determined by genetics and partly by high levels of a male sex hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The most recent hypothesis suggests that the hair loss process begins during puberty, when growth of the skull and the muscles in the forehead and neck increases the tension in a tight band of tissue stretching over the top of the head. The more DHT there is, the more these muscles contract, which causes inflammation and brings in more DHT. Over time, the DHT thickens the band of tissue, restricting the supply of blood and nutrients to the hair follicles above it. The follicles on top of the head get smaller and eventually disappear, while those on the sides of the head remain largely unaffected. However, this theory is still a work in progress. Some experts believe that DHT impacts the hair follicles directly. And DHT itself remains something of a mystery, being responsible for hair growth – not loss – on the face and in the armpits and pubic areas. Subscribe to BBC Science Focus Magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun facts.

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